Catholic Social Teaching is our moral compass, guiding us on how to live out our faith in the world. These are based on the belief that God has a plan for creation, a plan to build his kingdom of peace, love and justice. Our faith calls us to love God and to love our neighbours in every situation, especially our sisters and brothers living in poverty. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we hope to make present in our unjust and broken world, the justice, love and peace of God.
By blending Catholic Social teaching through our curriculum our children gladly embrace their personal responsibility to care for our common home, pursue the common good and serve those in need.
Catholic Social Teaching touches upon many different aspects of life, from the family to international development, how we think of those who are homeless to how we care for the environment, and from how we shop and consume to the rights of workers and the dignity of work.
Human Dignity
This recognises that we are all brothers and sisters which requires us to respect, value and uphold a common dignity for ourselves and each other. As human beings we are created in the image and likeness of God so therefore we have an inherent worth and distinction.
What we do at St Joseph's:
- We 'Live' our School's Vision and mission statement (Walking with Jesus to be the best that we can be)
- We welcome those who have had to leave their country due to war
- We welcome and celebrate different cultures, faiths and beliefs
- We teach about other faiths
- We pray for those in need
- We celebrate different nationalities and cultures through culture awareness days and special days
- We have a Mental Health Team who support the mental health of children within school
Solidarity
Solidarity is about thinking about the wider picture of the world and that the common good is not just shared with those closest to us but our brothers and sisters across the world. This is about standing by those who need us most.
What we do at St Joseph's:
- We raise money for charities such as Catholic Children's Society, Red Nose Day, NSPCC, Children in Need, Poppy Appeal
- We send Christmas cards out into the community
- We donate to the local Food bank
- We have a School Council
- We pray for others
The Common Good
The Common Good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone and that no one should be excluded from the gifts of creation. This is also about thinking about how our action affect the world as in the environment and the people who live in it; our brothers and sisters. This also includes everyone having the right to work and to be able to support themselves.
What we do at St Joseph's:
- We take part in waste workshops to understand our role in looking after the environment
- We have an eco-team
- Our RSE curriculum prepares children for work and the wider world
- Our Year 6's take part in the fiver challenge
Option for the poor
God wants us to help people who are poor, don't have enough food, a safe place to live and don't belong to a community.
The option for the poor reminds us of God's preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God's love is universal; he does not side with oppressors but loves the humble.
What we do at St Joseph's:
- Support a range of charities
- Pray for those in need
- Welcome everyone
- Offer support to all our families
- Organise themed days
Peace
God wants us to love and to listen to each other, so that we can bring peace into our homes and communities.
Peace is about positive action, not just the absence of war. It implies fair relations among people and between people and the environment. It can only come about in conditions of justice and solidarity. The human person cannot flourish without peace.
What we do at St Joseph's:
- We teach our children to resolve conflicts using a restorative approach
- We pray for peace
- We are a Trauma Informed School
- We support charities helping people affected by war
- We recognise days such as Refugee Day
Creation and Environment
God created us in His likeness to care for his creation and one another. It is important to respect God’s creation so we must engage with our environment and take responsibility for it; live sustainably and live so that there are enough resources for everyone. Our environment influences almost all of our lives, and Catholic Social Teaching recognises that undervaluing makes us all poorer.
What we do at St Joseph's
- We take responsibility for our environment
- We have awe and wonder for the natural world
- We recycle
- We learn about what we can do in response to Laudato Si
- We have Ride or Walk to school week
- We have Forest School where we explore and appreciate our natural environment
The Dignity of Work and Participation
Catholic Social Teaching holds that work is dignified and an intrinsic good, and workers must always be respected and valued. Work must be undertaken responsible, and labour treated well, this includes how we approach the work we do, what it is we do with our work and how employers treat their employees.
What we do at St Joseph's
- Encourage and develop our children’s aspirations
- Hold Career’s Days
- Welcome a variety of visitors from different work and careers
- Thank staff and show our appreciation
- Supporting our well-being
- Year 6 take part in our ‘Fiver Challenge’
- Share and grow our talents with each other
- Celebrate each other’s’ achievements